Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program - OINP

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is a key pathway for skilled workers, international students, and entrepreneurs seeking settlement in Ontario. This guide provides a detailed examination of various streams and requirements.

Streams and Requirements

1. Human Capital Priorities Stream

The Human Capital Priorities Stream is for skilled workers who have a valid Express Entry profile and meet Ontario's specific criteria.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Valid Express Entry profile with minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score determined by Ontario
• Targeted in-demand occupations including IT, healthcare, and finance roles
• Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in English or French
• Minimum one year continuous full-time work in skilled occupation

If you receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario, you have 45 days to submit your application. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply in the next Express Entry draw.

2. Employer Job Offer Stream

This stream is for workers who have a job offer from an Ontario employer. It has three subcategories:

Foreign Worker

For foreign workers with a job offer in a skilled occupation. Requirements include:

• Permanent, full-time job offer from Ontario employer
• Position in eligible occupation meeting wage requirements
• Relevant work experience in the occupation
• Meet minimum language requirements

International Student

For recent graduates from eligible Canadian institutions with a job offer. Requirements include:

• Completed at least half of your program while living and studying in Canada
• Job offer in a skilled occupation
• Graduated within the last two years

In-Demand Skills

For workers in specific sectors like construction and agriculture with a job offer in an eligible occupation.

3. Entrepreneur Stream

The Entrepreneur Stream targets experienced business owners and senior managers who want to start a business in Ontario.

Key Details:

• Investment minimums: $600,000 in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) or $200,000 outside the GTA
• Minimum 24 months full-time business experience within preceding 60 months
• Business ownership requirements (at least one-third ownership or investment of $1 million)
• Must create at least 2 full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (if in GTA) or 1 job (if outside GTA)

How to Apply

1. Determine which OINP stream you're eligible for
2. Create an Express Entry profile (if applying through Human Capital Priorities) or gather job offer documentation (if applying through Employer Job Offer stream)
3. Wait for a Notification of Interest or submit an application directly (depending on stream)
4. Submit complete application with all supporting documents
5. If nominated, accept nomination through Express Entry or apply for permanent residence

Benefits of OINP

• Pathway to permanent residence: Provincial nomination significantly boosts your Express Entry score
• Multiple streams: Various options for different types of applicants
• Settle in Ontario: Live and work in Canada's most populous province with diverse opportunities
• Access to services: Ontario offers robust newcomer settlement services